Dowager's Hump

Dowager's hump (AKA - granny hump) usually presents as a hump or swelling of the upper back just below the neck. Sometime referred to as hyperkyphosis in the medical community, it is a chronic condition that usually takes years to manifest. While it does not appear attractive, a Dowager's Hump is a condition that can affect more than appearance. Research studies in clinical journals indicate that patients who have a Dowager's hump are more at risk to have breathing problems, heart and other cardiovascular problems, fatigue, and muscle tension/spasm.

A recent study from the Annal of Internal Medicine (May 19, 2009, vol. 150. no. 10 681-687) indicates that there is an increased risk of mortality in seniors with hyperkyphosis (Dowager's Hump). The authors note:

"These results add to the growing literature that suggests that hyperkyphosis is a clinically important finding. Because it is readily observed and is associated with ill health in older persons, hyperkyphosis should be recognized as a geriatric syndrome a 'multifactorial health condition that occurs when the accumulated effect of impairments in multiple systems renders a person vulnerable to situational challenges.'"

If someone has anterior head syndrome (AHS) there will be an increase in pressure or compressive forces in the neck and upper back. Over time, this can create swelling of the soft tissues and may result in the formation of a Dowager's Hump. If this is the case, and the AHS can be corrected, it may be possible to reduce the Dowager's Hump. Of course, this reduction is dependant on several variables including: severity of misalignment of the head and neck, pre-existing degeneration of the vertebrae and discs, presence of osteoporosis/osteopenia, and pre-existing stress fractures of the vertebrae.

In order to determine if we can help someone with Dowager's Hump, we perform a complete structural examination which includes several objective tests. Only then will we know the extent of the condition and the correct treatment plan. If you or someone you know is suffering from a Dowager's Hump, please contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation so the doctor can go over your options.

It's Just A Normal Headache

When first working with a patient in my practice and reviewing their health history, I can't tell you how many times I've heard something like, "It's just a normal headache," or, "I get normal headaches." While headaches might be common, they are not normal. A headache is usually a sign of an underlying problem. There are several causes of headaches including tumors, infections, intracranial bleeding, severe hypertension, dehydration, allergies, structural abnormalities, etc.

 In the absence of medical emergencies like tumors, infections, bleeding, and severe hypertension, I commonly find cervical (neck) and thoracic (rib cage) structural problems during our examination of a patient who has headaches. When there is a structural problem, the body is in a poor biomechanical state and is under much more tension and stress than if the structural problem was not there. One of the most common structural problems that can cause these types of headaches is anterior head syndrome.

When we correct the structural problem with a specific treatment plan, more often than not, the headaches go away. Many of my patients are amazed that, when they initially consulted with me for neck or back pain, we were able to help them eliminate their "normal headaches" without the use of surgery or drugs.

If you or someone you know is suffering from headaches and has never had a proper structural evaluation, we may be able to help. The first step is to schedule a consultation. As always, there is no charge for our consultation. The consultation is not a commitment, just a conversation to see if we can help.

Anterior Head Syndrome

One of the most common structural abnormalities we help people with in our practice is Anterior Head Syndrome (AHS). Someone who has AHS will present with the appearance of an anterior (forward) shift of the head. In other words, when viewed from the side while standing in a relaxed stance, the hole of the ear will be forward of the tip of the shoulder. AHS will usually include increased muscle tension/spasm in the neck and upper back, the appearance of a Dowager's Hump ("Granny Hump"), compressed (degenerated) intervertebral discs, nerve impingement syndrome, and damaged (degenerated) vertebrae. The picture below illustrates the appearance of AHS viewed both from the outside and the inside of the body.

In many cases, AHS may be the underlying cause of a large variety of secondary conditions. The following conditions are often the result of AHS:

• Neck & Back Pain
• Sciatica & Hip Pain
• Numbness & Tingling
• Muscular Spasm & Tension
• Headaches (including Migraine)
• Pinched Nerve (N.I.S.)
• Herniated Disc
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Degenerative Joint Disease
• Decreased Range of Motion
• Poor Posture
• Dizziness/Vertigo
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If we do identify Anterior Head Syndrome during our examination, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan to correct the misalignment. We utilize a multifaceted approach for our treatment to ensure maximum results. If you would like to schedule a consultation at no charge to learn more about Anterior Head Syndrome and our approach to treatment, please call and mention this blog.

What Is Normal Structure?

When it comes to the human body, there are many things that can be measured to be normal or abnormal. Vision, blood pressure, and body temperature are some of those things that have clearly defined normal limits that most people are familiar with. The structure of the human body can also be measured and normal versus abnormal values can be determined. In the picture below, normal structure is shown in regards to the appearance the outside of the body as well as the alignment of the spinal column.

From a front or back view, a person with normal structure will appear to be symmetrical--the head, shoulders, hips, and arms are even. There is no sign of a shift or rotation to either side. From this view, you should be able to draw a vertical line up from directly between the feet and see the bridge of the nose, the notch above the sternum, the navel, and the center of the pubic bone all be centered on this line. In addition, if you were to take an x-ray of someone with normal structure from the front or back, you will see the spinal column (made up of separate vertebrae and vertebral discs) centered on a similar line.

From the side view, in a normal structural alignment, there are some anatomical landmarks that should line up with a vertical line that starts at the lateral maleolus (the bump on the outside of your ankle). These points are the bump on the side of the hip (greater trochanter), the tip of the shoulder, and the hole in the ear. If you took an x-ray of someone with normal structure from the side, you will find that there is a neck curve that curves forwards, a mid back curve that curves backwards, and a low back curve that curves forwards.

When there is normal structure, the body is in an advantageous biomechanical state. However, when body shifts or rotates into an abnormal structural position, it can lead to a poor biomechanical state causing secondary conditions such as muscle tension, pain, numbness and tingling, fatigue, stiffness, headaches, and spinal degeneration.